When God says GO, a fish goes!

None of us can outrun God. But good None of us can outrun God. But good living, Godfollowing, bibleelving, living, Godfollowing, bibleelving, living, Godfollowing, bibleelving, churchgoing, regular tithing, even churchgoing, regular tithing, even churchgoing, regular tithing, even legacy preaching Christians can end life legacy preaching Christians can end life legacy preaching Christians can end life badly. It is a possibility for you to badly. It is a possibility for you to badly. It is a possibility for you to end poorly because God is sovereign. end poorly because God is sovereign. end poorly because God is sovereign. Because God rules Because God rules Because God rules because God is in total control and he because God is in total control and he because God is in total control and he will not be defied will not be defied will not be defied successfully. His fishes are foiled. to successfully. His fishes are foiled. to successfully. His fishes are foiled. to expose the hypocrisy of a sleepy servant expose the hypocrisy of a sleepy servant expose the hypocrisy of a sleepy servant of God who ignored obeying God. And of God who ignored obeying God. And of God who ignored obeying God. And that's not right. If a fish can obey, that's not right. If a fish can obey, that's not right. If a fish can obey, surely you can obey. Well, thank you for g being here again Well, thank you for g being here again on the Lord's day. It is a pleasure to on the Lord's day. It is a pleasure to on the Lord's day. It is a pleasure to celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ with celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ with celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ with you. And let's just dive into our study you. And let's just dive into our study you. And let's just dive into our study this morning in the book of Jonah. this morning in the book of Jonah. this morning in the book of Jonah. Continuing our study through this Continuing our study through this Continuing our study through this wonderful book given to us by God to wonderful book given to us by God to wonderful book given to us by God to direct us, to help us. Uh so we arrive direct us, to help us. Uh so we arrive direct us, to help us. Uh so we arrive at a at a point in the Jonah's story at a at a point in the Jonah's story at a at a point in the Jonah's story here in chapter 1, at the very end of here in chapter 1, at the very end of here in chapter 1, at the very end of chapter 1 that many people just can't chapter 1 that many people just can't chapter 1 that many people just can't get past. It's sort of an insurmountable get past. It's sort of an insurmountable get past. It's sort of an insurmountable obstacle to to many as it relates to obstacle to to many as it relates to obstacle to to many as it relates to this interaction between Jonah and the this interaction between Jonah and the this interaction between Jonah and the great fish. Remember, for many, drum great fish. Remember, for many, drum great fish. Remember, for many, drum roll, it's a little too hard to swallow.

I like little Katie's approach. Uh, she I like little Katie's approach. Uh, she was at school in elementary school was at school in elementary school was at school in elementary school telling her class about her favorite telling her class about her favorite telling her class about her favorite bedtime Bible story. And it was this bedtime Bible story. And it was this bedtime Bible story. And it was this one, the story of Jonah the Great Fish. one, the story of Jonah the Great Fish. one, the story of Jonah the Great Fish. And so she told the story beautifully And so she told the story beautifully And so she told the story beautifully and and at the end of her her te at the and and at the end of her her te at the and and at the end of her her te at the end of this little presentation, the end of this little presentation, the end of this little presentation, the teacher got up and she corrected her. teacher got up and she corrected her. teacher got up and she corrected her. She said, "Well, Katie, we all actually She said, "Well, Katie, we all actually She said, "Well, Katie, we all actually know that that didn't actually happen know that that didn't actually happen know that that didn't actually happen because science tells us that a fish because science tells us that a fish because science tells us that a fish can't actually swallow a human being and can't actually swallow a human being and can't actually swallow a human being and that human being survive. It's all that human being survive. It's all that human being survive. It's all pretend." pretend." pretend." Well, Kitty didn't like that. She was Well, Kitty didn't like that. She was Well, Kitty didn't like that. She was put out by that and she said, "Well, put out by that and she said, "Well, put out by that and she said, "Well, it's in the Bible." it's in the Bible." it's in the Bible." And of course, the teacher and her kind And of course, the teacher and her kind And of course, the teacher and her kind of went back and forth here in front of of went back and forth here in front of of went back and forth here in front of all the class. And at some point, Katie, all the class. And at some point, Katie, all the class. And at some point, Katie, a little frustrated, just said, "Well, a little frustrated, just said, "Well, a little frustrated, just said, "Well, when I get to heaven heaven, I'm going when I get to heaven heaven, I'm going when I get to heaven heaven, I'm going to ask Jonah." to ask Jonah." to ask Jonah." To which the the teacher responded a To which the the teacher responded a To which the the teacher responded a little sarcastically, "Well, what if little sarcastically, "Well, what if little sarcastically, "Well, what if Jonah didn't get into heaven? What if he Jonah didn't get into heaven? What if he Jonah didn't get into heaven? What if he went to that other fiery place in your went to that other fiery place in your went to that other fiery place in your Bible?"

Bible?" Bible?" And Katie didn't miss a beat. She said, And Katie didn't miss a beat. She said, And Katie didn't miss a beat. She said, "Well, then I guess you can ask him." A little feisty. A little feisty. But I I love Kitty's bold faith and But I I love Kitty's bold faith and But I I love Kitty's bold faith and quick thinking. quick thinking. quick thinking. So, we arrive at this famous scene, So, we arrive at this famous scene, So, we arrive at this famous scene, Jonah and the Great Fish. Perhaps the Jonah and the Great Fish. Perhaps the Jonah and the Great Fish. Perhaps the most well-known account from the story most well-known account from the story most well-known account from the story of Jonah. And a lot has happened in of Jonah. And a lot has happened in of Jonah. And a lot has happened in chapter 1 before we arrived at this last chapter 1 before we arrived at this last chapter 1 before we arrived at this last verse there in chapter 1. God spoke to verse there in chapter 1. God spoke to verse there in chapter 1. God spoke to Jonah. He told him to go to go to a Jonah. He told him to go to go to a Jonah. He told him to go to go to a pagan culture, the Ninevites. And Jonah pagan culture, the Ninevites. And Jonah pagan culture, the Ninevites. And Jonah said, "No." Uh Jonah sort of boarded a said, "No." Uh Jonah sort of boarded a said, "No." Uh Jonah sort of boarded a ship and and took a nap like it's no big ship and and took a nap like it's no big ship and and took a nap like it's no big deal to to disobey God. You know, he's deal to to disobey God. You know, he's deal to to disobey God. You know, he's big stuff now. Remember, he's had big stuff now. Remember, he's had big stuff now. Remember, he's had decades and decades of of successful decades and decades of of successful decades and decades of of successful ministry across all of Israel. He's a ministry across all of Israel. He's a ministry across all of Israel. He's a bit of a celebrity. bit of a celebrity. bit of a celebrity. But but ministry success is never But but ministry success is never But but ministry success is never measured by past accomplishment. You measured by past accomplishment. You measured by past accomplishment. You know that. I know that. Jonah knows know that. I know that. Jonah knows know that. I know that. Jonah knows this.

this. this. ministry success or or success just ministry success or or success just ministry success or or success just walking with God is all to do with with walking with God is all to do with with walking with God is all to do with with fidelity with walking in faith with God. fidelity with walking in faith with God. fidelity with walking in faith with God. And disobedience is not fidelity. And disobedience is not fidelity. And disobedience is not fidelity. Disobedience is not godly. And and the Disobedience is not godly. And and the Disobedience is not godly. And and the years of God's blessing Jonah and his years of God's blessing Jonah and his years of God's blessing Jonah and his ministry have bloated Jonah's ego ministry have bloated Jonah's ego ministry have bloated Jonah's ego rather than stirring deep gratitude in rather than stirring deep gratitude in rather than stirring deep gratitude in his life. his life. his life. Why would I take on a new assignment? Why would I take on a new assignment? Why would I take on a new assignment? God, I have a good here. They're pagans God, I have a good here. They're pagans God, I have a good here. They're pagans over there. Those Nvites, Hebrew, I am. over there. Those Nvites, Hebrew, I am. over there. Those Nvites, Hebrew, I am. Remember verse 9, chapter 1. Proud o of Remember verse 9, chapter 1. Proud o of Remember verse 9, chapter 1. Proud o of his national identity. And and it's okay his national identity. And and it's okay his national identity. And and it's okay to be patriotic. It's beautiful in fact, to be patriotic. It's beautiful in fact, to be patriotic. It's beautiful in fact, but but he's taking it too far. Hebrew I but but he's taking it too far. Hebrew I but but he's taking it too far. Hebrew I am is what he says there. And so he am is what he says there. And so he am is what he says there. And so he runs. He runs from God. him and he knows runs. He runs from God. him and he knows runs. He runs from God. him and he knows in his head that his legs cannot outrun in his head that his legs cannot outrun in his head that his legs cannot outrun God. And yet he does it nonetheless. God. And yet he does it nonetheless. God. And yet he does it nonetheless. None of us can outrun God.

None of us can outrun God. None of us can outrun God. And and so God essentially says, "Go to And and so God essentially says, "Go to And and so God essentially says, "Go to a seatorm." a seatorm." a seatorm." And this sea storm erupts. It it goes. And this sea storm erupts. It it goes. And this sea storm erupts. It it goes. It obeys. And as it rages, God actually It obeys. And as it rages, God actually It obeys. And as it rages, God actually saves pagans like the Ninevites, saves pagans like the Ninevites, saves pagans like the Ninevites, like the people that Jonah doesn't want like the people that Jonah doesn't want like the people that Jonah doesn't want saved. And God actually gets the sleepy, saved. And God actually gets the sleepy, saved. And God actually gets the sleepy, selfish uh servant Jonah off of that selfish uh servant Jonah off of that selfish uh servant Jonah off of that boat and into the sea boat and into the sea boat and into the sea because God is sovereign. because God is sovereign. because God is sovereign. Because God rules. Because God rules. Because God rules. Because God is in total control and he Because God is in total control and he Because God is in total control and he will not be defied will not be defied will not be defied successfully. successfully. successfully. and his plans for Jonah and his plans and his plans for Jonah and his plans and his plans for Jonah and his plans for Nineveh and his plans for all of for Nineveh and his plans for all of for Nineveh and his plans for all of history, his plans for you, his plans history, his plans for you, his plans history, his plans for you, his plans for me, his plans for the 21st century for me, his plans for the 21st century for me, his plans for the 21st century and whatever many more centuries that and whatever many more centuries that and whatever many more centuries that come after it that he allows will not be come after it that he allows will not be come after it that he allows will not be derailed by anyone.

derailed by anyone. derailed by anyone. He's sovereign. So, so we arrive then at He's sovereign. So, so we arrive then at He's sovereign. So, so we arrive then at Jonah and the great fish scene. That's Jonah and the great fish scene. That's Jonah and the great fish scene. That's what's up next. And it runs from the what's up next. And it runs from the what's up next. And it runs from the very end of chapter 1. That last verse, very end of chapter 1. That last verse, very end of chapter 1. That last verse, verse 17, all the way through chapter 2 verse 17, all the way through chapter 2 verse 17, all the way through chapter 2 to the last verse there in chapter 2, to the last verse there in chapter 2, to the last verse there in chapter 2, verse 10. verse 10. verse 10. We have a new scene, which means guess We have a new scene, which means guess We have a new scene, which means guess what? what? what? Flannel graph board empty. Flannel graph board empty. Flannel graph board empty. We're going to start with some new We're going to start with some new We're going to start with some new character cutouts uh over the next few character cutouts uh over the next few character cutouts uh over the next few weeks. And today, I want to focus on the weeks. And today, I want to focus on the weeks. And today, I want to focus on the great fish. Character cutout number one great fish. Character cutout number one great fish. Character cutout number one in this new scene is the great fish. in this new scene is the great fish. in this new scene is the great fish. Now, there are just two verses that that Now, there are just two verses that that Now, there are just two verses that that mention this fish. Just two. One at the mention this fish. Just two. One at the mention this fish. Just two. One at the very very beginning, chapter 1:1 17, the very very beginning, chapter 1:1 17, the very very beginning, chapter 1:1 17, the on-ramp to the scene, and one at the on-ramp to the scene, and one at the on-ramp to the scene, and one at the very very end in chapter 2:10, the the very very end in chapter 2:10, the the very very end in chapter 2:10, the the exit from this scene. Just two two exit from this scene. Just two two exit from this scene. Just two two verses. And and it's beautiful what's verses. And and it's beautiful what's verses. And and it's beautiful what's there. Let me let me show you. First, there. Let me let me show you. First, there. Let me let me show you. First, we're going to go to chapter 1 verse1 we're going to go to chapter 1 verse1 we're going to go to chapter 1 verse1 17. Look at it with me. Now remember the 17. Look at it with me. Now remember the 17. Look at it with me. Now remember the sailors, they hurled Jonah into the sea.

sailors, they hurled Jonah into the sea. sailors, they hurled Jonah into the sea. We we just saw that or we just read We we just saw that or we just read We we just saw that or we just read that. From the sailor's perspective, that. From the sailor's perspective, that. From the sailor's perspective, Jonah's gone. Jonah's gone. Jonah's gone. He's done. He's done. He's done. Vista Jonah. He's not coming back. He's Vista Jonah. He's not coming back. He's Vista Jonah. He's not coming back. He's going to be swallowed up by the waves of going to be swallowed up by the waves of going to be swallowed up by the waves of this sea. And the story could have ended this sea. And the story could have ended this sea. And the story could have ended there at the at the end of that scene in there at the at the end of that scene in there at the at the end of that scene in verse 16. And it would have ended verse 16. And it would have ended verse 16. And it would have ended beautifully. It would have ended with a beautifully. It would have ended with a beautifully. It would have ended with a godly moral to the story. Defy God at godly moral to the story. Defy God at godly moral to the story. Defy God at your peril. That's a lesson we all need your peril. That's a lesson we all need your peril. That's a lesson we all need to always remember. The the book could to always remember. The the book could to always remember. The the book could end there with a great lesson. Defy God end there with a great lesson. Defy God end there with a great lesson. Defy God at your peril. God does discipline at your peril. God does discipline at your peril. God does discipline disobedience. He disciplines disobedience. He disciplines disobedience. He disciplines disobedience in the lives of his disobedience in the lives of his disobedience in the lives of his children like a loving father does. children like a loving father does. children like a loving father does. Even legacy pastors like Jonah will Even legacy pastors like Jonah will Even legacy pastors like Jonah will experience the discipline of God. So experience the discipline of God. So experience the discipline of God. So don't run from God. I mean you should don't run from God. I mean you should don't run from God. I mean you should exit this scene of the sea storm going I exit this scene of the sea storm going I exit this scene of the sea storm going I am committed to not running from God.

am committed to not running from God. am committed to not running from God. Don't run from God. Now from from Don't run from God. Now from from Don't run from God. Now from from Jonah's perspective it's interesting too Jonah's perspective it's interesting too Jonah's perspective it's interesting too because at that point he thinks it's all because at that point he thinks it's all because at that point he thinks it's all over. He would rather remember have over. He would rather remember have over. He would rather remember have Tarsish sunning himself or death in the Tarsish sunning himself or death in the Tarsish sunning himself or death in the sea. That's why he advised them to to sea. That's why he advised them to to sea. That's why he advised them to to hurl him overboard. anything but going hurl him overboard. anything but going hurl him overboard. anything but going to Nineveh, anything but doing what God to Nineveh, anything but doing what God to Nineveh, anything but doing what God has asked him to do. So, this story has asked him to do. So, this story has asked him to do. So, this story could end there as a warning, a warning could end there as a warning, a warning could end there as a warning, a warning for our self-reflection as God's people, for our self-reflection as God's people, for our self-reflection as God's people, as God's people who gather here as God's people who gather here as God's people who gather here regularly, who walk with Jesus perhaps regularly, who walk with Jesus perhaps regularly, who walk with Jesus perhaps for many, many years. But good living, for many, many years. But good living, for many, many years. But good living, Godfollowing, bibleelving, churchgoing, Godfollowing, bibleelving, churchgoing, Godfollowing, bibleelving, churchgoing, regular tithing, even legacy preaching regular tithing, even legacy preaching regular tithing, even legacy preaching Christians can end life badly. It is a Christians can end life badly. It is a Christians can end life badly. It is a possibility for you to end poorly. Now, possibility for you to end poorly. Now, possibility for you to end poorly. Now, not not to be excluded from the from not not to be excluded from the from not not to be excluded from the from from the hand of God eternally and lose from the hand of God eternally and lose from the hand of God eternally and lose your salvation. I'm not talking about your salvation. I'm not talking about your salvation. I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about you ending the that. I'm talking about you ending the that. I'm talking about you ending the stewardship of your days here. Well, stewardship of your days here. Well, stewardship of your days here. Well, it's possible for you to end poorly. So it's possible for you to end poorly. So it's possible for you to end poorly. So don't end badly. That's that's the don't end badly. That's that's the don't end badly. That's that's the warning from from Jonah if we were to warning from from Jonah if we were to warning from from Jonah if we were to leave it right there. But but it doesn't leave it right there. But but it doesn't leave it right there. But but it doesn't end there. And I'm confident, you know, end there. And I'm confident, you know, end there. And I'm confident, you know, that Jonah as he's flying through the that Jonah as he's flying through the that Jonah as he's flying through the air, nose diving into the water, that air, nose diving into the water, that air, nose diving into the water, that he's a clenched fist in the air he's a clenched fist in the air he's a clenched fist in the air shouting, "Hebrew, I am you dirty pagan shouting, "Hebrew, I am you dirty pagan shouting, "Hebrew, I am you dirty pagan sailors."

sailors." sailors." He He seems to be proud that he's dying He He seems to be proud that he's dying He He seems to be proud that he's dying some form of patriot. some form of patriot. some form of patriot. that that's more important than dying that that's more important than dying that that's more important than dying faithful faithful faithful to use our language dying like a good to use our language dying like a good to use our language dying like a good godly faithful Christian loving God and godly faithful Christian loving God and godly faithful Christian loving God and loving all others not those I want to loving all others not those I want to loving all others not those I want to love Jonah it's quite interesting if you Jonah it's quite interesting if you think about it Jonah doesn't actually think about it Jonah doesn't actually think about it Jonah doesn't actually ever get to see the salvation that God ever get to see the salvation that God ever get to see the salvation that God brought to these pagan sailors they brought to these pagan sailors they brought to these pagan sailors they hurled him in in verse hurled him in in verse hurled him in in verse and they come to express their faith in and they come to express their faith in and they come to express their faith in the one true God, Yahweh, and to commit the one true God, Yahweh, and to commit the one true God, Yahweh, and to commit to living for him. In verse 16, he to living for him. In verse 16, he to living for him. In verse 16, he misses out on this beautiful act of misses out on this beautiful act of misses out on this beautiful act of God's saving grace in the lives of these God's saving grace in the lives of these God's saving grace in the lives of these people. people. people. I'm pretty sure it's going to be I'm pretty sure it's going to be I'm pretty sure it's going to be interesting when the 8th century BC interesting when the 8th century BC interesting when the 8th century BC class of God followers get together for class of God followers get together for class of God followers get together for a reunion in heaven.

a reunion in heaven. a reunion in heaven. And Jonah shows up and the sailors show And Jonah shows up and the sailors show And Jonah shows up and the sailors show up and they're like, "Did I did I know up and they're like, "Did I did I know up and they're like, "Did I did I know you? Have I seen those sailor tattoos you? Have I seen those sailor tattoos you? Have I seen those sailor tattoos before somewhere? before somewhere? before somewhere? They're both there." Anyway, we could They're both there." Anyway, we could They're both there." Anyway, we could have it could have been lights out at have it could have been lights out at have it could have been lights out at verse 16, but it's not. God has a lot verse 16, but it's not. God has a lot verse 16, but it's not. God has a lot more to teach us from this wonderful more to teach us from this wonderful more to teach us from this wonderful book. Verse 17. Go there, please. Let me book. Verse 17. Go there, please. Let me book. Verse 17. Go there, please. Let me read it to you. read it to you. read it to you. And the Lord, or but the Lord, a And the Lord, or but the Lord, a And the Lord, or but the Lord, a contrast, appointed a great fish to contrast, appointed a great fish to contrast, appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah. swallow Jonah. swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the stomach of the fish And Jonah was in the stomach of the fish And Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights. Now, that's three days and three nights. Now, that's three days and three nights. Now, that's remarkable. And it should be remarkable remarkable. And it should be remarkable remarkable. And it should be remarkable to you, except that familiarity perhaps to you, except that familiarity perhaps to you, except that familiarity perhaps for so many years has sort of taken out for so many years has sort of taken out for so many years has sort of taken out a little bit of the punch that's there. a little bit of the punch that's there. a little bit of the punch that's there. This is remarkable. This is remarkable. This is remarkable. Fish cameo appearance also reemerges at Fish cameo appearance also reemerges at Fish cameo appearance also reemerges at the end of chapter 2 verse 10. Remember, the end of chapter 2 verse 10. Remember, the end of chapter 2 verse 10. Remember, let me read it to you. Then the Lord let me read it to you. Then the Lord let me read it to you. Then the Lord spoke to or commanded or he ordered the spoke to or commanded or he ordered the spoke to or commanded or he ordered the fish and it spewed out Jonah or it spat fish and it spewed out Jonah or it spat fish and it spewed out Jonah or it spat out Jonah or it vomited Jonah upon the out Jonah or it vomited Jonah upon the out Jonah or it vomited Jonah upon the dry land. That's remarkable.

dry land. That's remarkable. dry land. That's remarkable. The the entrance in and the exit out is The the entrance in and the exit out is The the entrance in and the exit out is remarkable. And that's the fish cameo remarkable. And that's the fish cameo remarkable. And that's the fish cameo appearance in the story of Jonah. Just appearance in the story of Jonah. Just appearance in the story of Jonah. Just two verses, two verses, two verses, two minor verses that can get lost in in two minor verses that can get lost in in two minor verses that can get lost in in in all the others, but two very very in all the others, but two very very in all the others, but two very very important and basic truths are important and basic truths are important and basic truths are emphasized in just those two verses. And emphasized in just those two verses. And emphasized in just those two verses. And I don't want you to miss them. And I don't want you to miss them. And I don't want you to miss them. And here's the first one familiar to you in here's the first one familiar to you in here's the first one familiar to you in light of last week. There's a clear light of last week. There's a clear light of last week. There's a clear focus on God. focus on God. focus on God. There's a clear focus specifically on on There's a clear focus specifically on on There's a clear focus specifically on on God's sovereignty, God's total God's sovereignty, God's total God's sovereignty, God's total authority, God's power, God's authority, God's power, God's authority, God's power, God's compassion, that God rules, that God is compassion, that God rules, that God is compassion, that God rules, that God is boss, that that he puppeteers, and that boss, that that he puppeteers, and that boss, that that he puppeteers, and that he dictates. he dictates. he dictates. Look at verse 17 again. And the Lord Look at verse 17 again. And the Lord Look at verse 17 again. And the Lord appointed a great fish. appointed a great fish. appointed a great fish. And verse 10 of chapter 2, the Lord And verse 10 of chapter 2, the Lord And verse 10 of chapter 2, the Lord spoke or commanded or ordered the fish. spoke or commanded or ordered the fish. spoke or commanded or ordered the fish. God is not just the subject of the God is not just the subject of the God is not just the subject of the sentence here. God is the acting agent sentence here. God is the acting agent sentence here. God is the acting agent in the event that occurred here. He's in the event that occurred here. He's in the event that occurred here. He's the supreme puppeteer orchestrating this the supreme puppeteer orchestrating this the supreme puppeteer orchestrating this in incident. This isn't this isn't just in incident. This isn't this isn't just in incident. This isn't this isn't just a case of well, you know, a fish a case of well, you know, a fish a case of well, you know, a fish happened to swing by that area at around happened to swing by that area at around happened to swing by that area at around lunchtime when his tummy was rumbling lunchtime when his tummy was rumbling lunchtime when his tummy was rumbling and wouldn't you know it, there was some and wouldn't you know it, there was some and wouldn't you know it, there was some fresh, nice Hebrew fish food splashing fresh, nice Hebrew fish food splashing fresh, nice Hebrew fish food splashing around and he got fed.

around and he got fed. around and he got fed. God feeds his creation. God feeds you. God feeds his creation. God feeds you. God feeds his creation. God feeds you. But this isn't a feeding session for But this isn't a feeding session for But this isn't a feeding session for fish. fish. fish. Go back to verse 17 in chapter 1. We're Go back to verse 17 in chapter 1. We're Go back to verse 17 in chapter 1. We're told, as I read earlier, that Jonah was told, as I read earlier, that Jonah was told, as I read earlier, that Jonah was in the stomach of the fish for three in the stomach of the fish for three in the stomach of the fish for three days and three nights. Jonah survives. days and three nights. Jonah survives. days and three nights. Jonah survives. This wasn't about God just feeding the This wasn't about God just feeding the This wasn't about God just feeding the fish. fish. fish. Jonas survives not because he slides on Jonas survives not because he slides on Jonas survives not because he slides on in there like he's James Bond or Indiana in there like he's James Bond or Indiana in there like he's James Bond or Indiana and Indiana Jones and Indiana Jones and Indiana Jones avoiding the pointy teeth and and avoiding the pointy teeth and and avoiding the pointy teeth and and holding his breath through some sort of holding his breath through some sort of holding his breath through some sort of tight gullet pipe that leads from the tight gullet pipe that leads from the tight gullet pipe that leads from the fish's mouth into a bath of stomach fish's mouth into a bath of stomach fish's mouth into a bath of stomach acid. Jonah survives because God's hand is in Jonah survives because God's hand is in this incident. God's organized this. God sovereignly God's organized this. God sovereignly organized the summoning of this fish and organized the summoning of this fish and organized the summoning of this fish and and and the recheduling of his I don't and and the recheduling of his I don't and and the recheduling of his I don't know his swimming patterns.

Jonah doesn't get cut to shreds by the Jonah doesn't get cut to shreds by the teeth because of God. He can breathe teeth because of God. He can breathe teeth because of God. He can breathe down that gullet because of God. He down that gullet because of God. He down that gullet because of God. He doesn't get dissolved by fish stomach doesn't get dissolved by fish stomach doesn't get dissolved by fish stomach acid because of God. God got him in. God got him in. God got him out. God got him out. God got him out. God rules and God is doing something God rules and God is doing something God rules and God is doing something here. He's the reason for this here. He's the reason for this here. He's the reason for this miraculous event. Now, just just to be miraculous event. Now, just just to be miraculous event. Now, just just to be clear, what I'm trying to get you to clear, what I'm trying to get you to clear, what I'm trying to get you to understand is that Jonah doesn't survive understand is that Jonah doesn't survive understand is that Jonah doesn't survive just because God intervened when he saw just because God intervened when he saw just because God intervened when he saw him in trouble. Jonah survives because him in trouble. Jonah survives because him in trouble. Jonah survives because God orchestrated the entire event. God orchestrated the entire event. God orchestrated the entire event. God created this meeting. He made the God created this meeting. He made the God created this meeting. He made the introduction on purpose as a rescue introduction on purpose as a rescue introduction on purpose as a rescue mission for Jonah from his disobedience. Also as a timeout session for his Also as a timeout session for his disobedience. disobedience. disobedience. God took Jonah to as close to death uh God took Jonah to as close to death uh God took Jonah to as close to death uh horrible death as one can possibly get horrible death as one can possibly get horrible death as one can possibly get without actually dying.

In fact, that phrase there, three days In fact, that phrase there, three days and three nights in verse 17, it's a and three nights in verse 17, it's a and three nights in verse 17, it's a fantastic little study. That's not a fantastic little study. That's not a fantastic little study. That's not a random choice of days and nights. random choice of days and nights. random choice of days and nights. We'll we'll come back to this a little We'll we'll come back to this a little We'll we'll come back to this a little later on in our series. In our language later on in our series. In our language later on in our series. In our language here, if I was to say to you that he was here, if I was to say to you that he was here, if I was to say to you that he was there for a working week, you would there for a working week, you would there for a working week, you would instantly decode that to understand instantly decode that to understand instantly decode that to understand Monday to Friday, 5 days out of the Monday to Friday, 5 days out of the Monday to Friday, 5 days out of the week. You know, it doesn't include the week. You know, it doesn't include the week. You know, it doesn't include the weekend because that phrase, that set weekend because that phrase, that set weekend because that phrase, that set phrase lands in in your head in in a phrase lands in in your head in in a phrase lands in in your head in in a context of experience that that context of experience that that context of experience that that translates it into, well, a working week translates it into, well, a working week translates it into, well, a working week is is is 5 days. It's it's Monday to is is is 5 days. It's it's Monday to is is is 5 days. It's it's Monday to Friday. Friday. Friday. If if I was to use this phrase, not If if I was to use this phrase, not If if I was to use this phrase, not here, but where I come from, that I was here, but where I come from, that I was here, but where I come from, that I was on holiday for a fortnight, on holiday for a fortnight, on holiday for a fortnight, you'd probably go, I don't know what you'd probably go, I don't know what you'd probably go, I don't know what that is. that is. that is. And I'm not talking about the the game And I'm not talking about the the game And I'm not talking about the the game nobody likes their kids playing.

nobody likes their kids playing. nobody likes their kids playing. Where I come from, everybody would know Where I come from, everybody would know Where I come from, everybody would know what that means. That instantly means 2 what that means. That instantly means 2 what that means. That instantly means 2 weeks, 14 days. That's what that means. weeks, 14 days. That's what that means. weeks, 14 days. That's what that means. It lands a in in a receptacle that It lands a in in a receptacle that It lands a in in a receptacle that understands that can decode that phrase. understands that can decode that phrase. understands that can decode that phrase. All I need you to understand is that All I need you to understand is that All I need you to understand is that when you see three days and three nights when you see three days and three nights when you see three days and three nights which historically happened, it actually which historically happened, it actually which historically happened, it actually is signaling a certain type of scheduled is signaling a certain type of scheduled is signaling a certain type of scheduled time inside of that fish. And in the time inside of that fish. And in the time inside of that fish. And in the ancient mindset that spoke of justice ancient mindset that spoke of justice ancient mindset that spoke of justice running its course but tempered with running its course but tempered with running its course but tempered with compassion. compassion. compassion. Justice is being served, but it's being Justice is being served, but it's being Justice is being served, but it's being served in the context of kindness and served in the context of kindness and served in the context of kindness and compassion. compassion. compassion. This is just discipline from God on This is just discipline from God on This is just discipline from God on Jonah's life. a custom-designed Jonah's life. a custom-designed Jonah's life. a custom-designed timeout session, as it were, timeout session, as it were, timeout session, as it were, to deliver a a a an unruly pastor to deliver a a a an unruly pastor to deliver a a a an unruly pastor from his disobedience from his disobedience from his disobedience to to give him time, an opportunity in a to to give him time, an opportunity in a to to give him time, an opportunity in a very tight, confined space for very tight, confined space for very tight, confined space for reflection.

reflection. reflection. Would you really rather die Would you really rather die Would you really rather die than obey me? than obey me? than obey me? and Jonah thinks he would. and Jonah thinks he would. and Jonah thinks he would. We're going to find out that that's not We're going to find out that that's not We're going to find out that that's not exactly his his desire once he's in the exactly his his desire once he's in the exactly his his desire once he's in the situation. situation. situation. Now, I don't want you to go here uh Now, I don't want you to go here uh Now, I don't want you to go here uh because I I do believe I will lose you because I I do believe I will lose you because I I do believe I will lose you for 5 10 minutes, but there's another for 5 10 minutes, but there's another for 5 10 minutes, but there's another prophet Hosea who says an interesting prophet Hosea who says an interesting prophet Hosea who says an interesting phrase and if I send you to Hosea, I if phrase and if I send you to Hosea, I if phrase and if I send you to Hosea, I if you're like me, you'll be like, "Where you're like me, you'll be like, "Where you're like me, you'll be like, "Where is this thing?" Don't don't go there. is this thing?" Don't don't go there. is this thing?" Don't don't go there. Let me read it to you. But remember, Let me read it to you. But remember, Let me read it to you. But remember, Pastor Hosea is a contemporary of Jonah Pastor Hosea is a contemporary of Jonah Pastor Hosea is a contemporary of Jonah in the mid 8th century BC and in Israel. in the mid 8th century BC and in Israel. in the mid 8th century BC and in Israel. Uh he doesn't have it as good as Jonah Uh he doesn't have it as good as Jonah Uh he doesn't have it as good as Jonah has it like Pastor Amos. He's not very has it like Pastor Amos. He's not very has it like Pastor Amos. He's not very very popular. But but he makes an very popular. But but he makes an very popular. But but he makes an interesting comment and I it seems to me interesting comment and I it seems to me interesting comment and I it seems to me that perhaps him and Jonah and maybe that perhaps him and Jonah and maybe that perhaps him and Jonah and maybe Pastor Amos as well at some point years Pastor Amos as well at some point years Pastor Amos as well at some point years later have met at some sort of pastor's later have met at some sort of pastor's later have met at some sort of pastor's retreat for washed up preachers retreat for washed up preachers retreat for washed up preachers because the overlap's beautiful. Here's because the overlap's beautiful. Here's because the overlap's beautiful. Here's what here's what pastor Jonah says to what here's what pastor Jonah says to what here's what pastor Jonah says to Israel a little after the ministry of Israel a little after the ministry of Israel a little after the ministry of Jonah but same time period. He says this Jonah but same time period. He says this Jonah but same time period. He says this to Israel, "Come, to Israel, "Come, to Israel, "Come, let us return to the Lord, let us return to the Lord, let us return to the Lord, for he has torn us." That's just for he has torn us." That's just for he has torn us." That's just discipline. God has torn us. But he will

discipline. God has torn us. But he will discipline. God has torn us. But he will heal us. That's grace. That's heal us. That's grace. That's heal us. That's grace. That's compassion. compassion. compassion. He has wounded us. That's just He has wounded us. That's just He has wounded us. That's just discipline. discipline. discipline. But he will bandage us. That's grace and But he will bandage us. That's grace and But he will bandage us. That's grace and compassion. compassion. compassion. He will revive us after two days. He He will revive us after two days. He He will revive us after two days. He will raise us up on the third day that will raise us up on the third day that will raise us up on the third day that we may live for him. we may live for him. we may live for him. That's a total of three days, three That's a total of three days, three That's a total of three days, three nights. nights. nights. In Hosea's language to the people of In Hosea's language to the people of In Hosea's language to the people of Israel, that that meant just discipline Israel, that that meant just discipline Israel, that that meant just discipline is being porn poured out, but it is is being porn poured out, but it is is being porn poured out, but it is seasoned with God's kindness and seasoned with God's kindness and seasoned with God's kindness and compassion. There's there's a redemptive compassion. There's there's a redemptive compassion. There's there's a redemptive purpose to this justice from the hand of purpose to this justice from the hand of purpose to this justice from the hand of God. And and that's what we've got here God. And and that's what we've got here God. And and that's what we've got here with with Jonah in this fish for three with with Jonah in this fish for three with with Jonah in this fish for three days and three nights. days and three nights. days and three nights. God scheduled a timeout session for for God scheduled a timeout session for for God scheduled a timeout session for for God's justice to come upon Jonah to give God's justice to come upon Jonah to give God's justice to come upon Jonah to give him time also to reflect because God is him time also to reflect because God is him time also to reflect because God is kind. Now, why a fish? I get the three kind. Now, why a fish? I get the three kind. Now, why a fish? I get the three days and three nights, but why does it days and three nights, but why does it days and three nights, but why does it have to be inside of a fish? I mean, have to be inside of a fish? I mean, have to be inside of a fish? I mean, what's going on there? And and remember, what's going on there? And and remember, what's going on there? And and remember, God God's rule is total. As I said last God God's rule is total. As I said last God God's rule is total. As I said last time, God has wired his world to to to time, God has wired his world to to to time, God has wired his world to to to function according to his design. And function according to his design. And function according to his design. And included in that is for him to included in that is for him to included in that is for him to intervene. His sovereignty to work intervene. His sovereignty to work intervene. His sovereignty to work within it. And sometimes it's an within it. And sometimes it's an within it. And sometimes it's an interruption into the way things are

interruption into the way things are interruption into the way things are that we call that a miracle. God that we call that a miracle. God that we call that a miracle. God suspends or he interrupts the the suspends or he interrupts the the suspends or he interrupts the the natural flow of laws. But sometimes he natural flow of laws. But sometimes he natural flow of laws. But sometimes he doesn't interrupt or suspend it. He just doesn't interrupt or suspend it. He just doesn't interrupt or suspend it. He just tweaks and massages within it. He tweaks and massages within it. He tweaks and massages within it. He puppeteers it from within. puppeteers it from within. puppeteers it from within. Now sometimes he can do both. And we Now sometimes he can do both. And we Now sometimes he can do both. And we call that concurrently the doctrine of call that concurrently the doctrine of call that concurrently the doctrine of concurrence where where God can can do concurrence where where God can can do concurrence where where God can can do what he wants and sometimes he can just what he wants and sometimes he can just what he wants and sometimes he can just blend multiple ways in which he can act. blend multiple ways in which he can act. blend multiple ways in which he can act. And so here Jonah survives going in to a And so here Jonah survives going in to a And so here Jonah survives going in to a fish. Jonah survives being in a fish. fish. Jonah survives being in a fish. fish. Jonah survives being in a fish. Jonah survives coming out of the fish. Jonah survives coming out of the fish. Jonah survives coming out of the fish. That's a miracle. God has interrupted That's a miracle. God has interrupted That's a miracle. God has interrupted and he has suspended certain stuff for and he has suspended certain stuff for and he has suspended certain stuff for that to occur. That's a miracle. But that to occur. That's a miracle. But that to occur. That's a miracle. But don't forget that this is a real fish. don't forget that this is a real fish. don't forget that this is a real fish. This is a real fish that was swimming This is a real fish that was swimming This is a real fish that was swimming around in the 8th century Mediterranean around in the 8th century Mediterranean around in the 8th century Mediterranean Sea at that point. and that this real Sea at that point. and that this real Sea at that point. and that this real fish swimming around at that time fish swimming around at that time fish swimming around at that time actually swallowed Jonah up. So it actually swallowed Jonah up. So it actually swallowed Jonah up. So it wasn't just a miracle. God was also wasn't just a miracle. God was also wasn't just a miracle. God was also working providentially working providentially working providentially in this event. Now God could easily have in this event. Now God could easily have in this event. Now God could easily have sent a submarine.

He could have he could have sent a He could have he could have sent a submarine and I don't know how submarine and I don't know how submarine and I don't know how submarines scoop up stuff that's out in submarines scoop up stuff that's out in submarines scoop up stuff that's out in the sea, but they could have scooped the sea, but they could have scooped the sea, but they could have scooped Jonah up. Jonah up. Jonah up. Uh he doesn't. Why? Because they're not Uh he doesn't. Why? Because they're not Uh he doesn't. Why? Because they're not invented at the time. As far as we can invented at the time. As far as we can invented at the time. As far as we can tell, tell, tell, God could have sent one down God could have sent one down God could have sent one down miraculously, miraculously, miraculously, but he chose to work with what was there but he chose to work with what was there but he chose to work with what was there at the time. Work providentially. at the time. Work providentially. at the time. Work providentially. God is sovereign. He does what he wants. God is sovereign. He does what he wants. God is sovereign. He does what he wants. Whether it is splitting the Red Sea open Whether it is splitting the Red Sea open Whether it is splitting the Red Sea open like we said last time or having an axe like we said last time or having an axe like we said last time or having an axe head who's supposed to sink float, head who's supposed to sink float, head who's supposed to sink float, whether it's tweaking storms or or whether it's tweaking storms or or whether it's tweaking storms or or stones or plants or or worms or stones or plants or or worms or stones or plants or or worms or controlling a fish or controlling the controlling a fish or controlling the controlling a fish or controlling the state the straight of horses, remember? state the straight of horses, remember? state the straight of horses, remember? Or controlling the footsteps of of the Or controlling the footsteps of of the Or controlling the footsteps of of the possum that scared me the other week. possum that scared me the other week. possum that scared me the other week. Remember Remember Remember God's in control. He's sovereign. He can God's in control. He's sovereign. He can God's in control. He's sovereign. He can act. He can execute his sovereignty in act. He can execute his sovereignty in act. He can execute his sovereignty in whatever which way he wants. be it whatever which way he wants. be it whatever which way he wants. be it miraculously or providentially or any miraculously or providentially or any miraculously or providentially or any mixture of both and whatever blend.

mixture of both and whatever blend. mixture of both and whatever blend. So, a little example from my week on the So, a little example from my week on the So, a little example from my week on the providence of God in my life. providence of God in my life. providence of God in my life. I'm a survivor, guys. I'm a survivor, guys. I'm a survivor, guys. I need you to understand I I'm a I need you to understand I I'm a I need you to understand I I'm a survivor. I faced off a wild beast like survivor. I faced off a wild beast like survivor. I faced off a wild beast like like David did when he faced the the like David did when he faced the the like David did when he faced the the lion and the bear. like Daniel did when lion and the bear. like Daniel did when lion and the bear. like Daniel did when he faced those lions in the den like he faced those lions in the den like he faced those lions in the den like like Jonah faced here with this great like Jonah faced here with this great like Jonah faced here with this great fish. I faced off with one of the fish. I faced off with one of the fish. I faced off with one of the ugliest creatures on God's good earth ugliest creatures on God's good earth ugliest creatures on God's good earth recently, a possum. recently, a possum. recently, a possum. And a possum is ugly. This must be said in Spanish because This must be said in Spanish because it's a more passionate language. it's a more passionate language. it's a more passionate language. Keel. Keel. Keel. Keel. There's your Spanish for the day. Keel. There's your Spanish for the day. Keel. There's your Spanish for the day. Don't use it on your neighbors. It's not Don't use it on your neighbors. It's not Don't use it on your neighbors. It's not nice. nice. nice. Ugly. Absolutely ugly. God. But But God Ugly. Absolutely ugly. God. But But God Ugly. Absolutely ugly. God. But But God was sovereign over that possum's was sovereign over that possum's was sovereign over that possum's footsteps. And God was sovereign over my footsteps. And God was sovereign over my footsteps. And God was sovereign over my footsteps that night so that we would footsteps that night so that we would footsteps that night so that we would have an encounter.

have an encounter. have an encounter. Cuz I didn't know he existed. and he Cuz I didn't know he existed. and he Cuz I didn't know he existed. and he probably knew I did but didn't have any probably knew I did but didn't have any probably knew I did but didn't have any thoughts for my lack of desire for him thoughts for my lack of desire for him thoughts for my lack of desire for him to live in my abode. to live in my abode. to live in my abode. So God beautifully orchestrated this So God beautifully orchestrated this So God beautifully orchestrated this this meeting so that so that I would this meeting so that so that I would this meeting so that so that I would have psums in my life and in my opinion have psums in my life and in my opinion have psums in my life and in my opinion so that that possum would receive just so that that possum would receive just so that that possum would receive just discipline discipline discipline be relocated from my yard a way off into be relocated from my yard a way off into be relocated from my yard a way off into where possums should live wherever that where possums should live wherever that where possums should live wherever that is. Now God could have miraculously is. Now God could have miraculously is. Now God could have miraculously raptured him. He could have uh God sent a a fiery He could have uh God sent a a fiery chariot chariot to pick up Elijah. He chariot chariot to pick up Elijah. He chariot chariot to pick up Elijah. He could have sent some sort of beautiful could have sent some sort of beautiful could have sent some sort of beautiful angelic uh vehicle to to transport him. angelic uh vehicle to to transport him. angelic uh vehicle to to transport him. He could have teleported him away. I He could have teleported him away. I He could have teleported him away. I mean, he teleported Philillip in the mean, he teleported Philillip in the mean, he teleported Philillip in the book of Acts. God could have done that, book of Acts. God could have done that, book of Acts. God could have done that, but he didn't. He chose to work but he didn't. He chose to work but he didn't. He chose to work providentially providentially providentially to move inside of the way things usually to move inside of the way things usually to move inside of the way things usually work but tweaking things here and there work but tweaking things here and there work but tweaking things here and there so that we meet that what I'm saying is so that we meet that what I'm saying is so that we meet that what I'm saying is that face off that fright that I got was that face off that fright that I got was that face off that fright that I got was on purpose on purpose on purpose for God's plan for the possum and God's for God's plan for the possum and God's for God's plan for the possum and God's plan for me to be figured out. Now, plan for me to be figured out. Now, plan for me to be figured out. Now, don't worry. I I was not and I'm not don't worry. I I was not and I'm not don't worry. I I was not and I'm not going to tell you that I was in the going to tell you that I was in the going to tell you that I was in the belly of the possum for three days and belly of the possum for three days and belly of the possum for three days and three nights, and neither was he in

three nights, and neither was he in three nights, and neither was he in mine. mine. mine. But in my disobedience to what God But in my disobedience to what God But in my disobedience to what God orchestrated, I forgot. orchestrated, I forgot. orchestrated, I forgot. I forgot. And so, I just let it be. I I forgot. And so, I just let it be. I I forgot. And so, I just let it be. I didn't relocate our possum friend. didn't relocate our possum friend. didn't relocate our possum friend. But God didn't give up. But God didn't give up. But God didn't give up. God organized the possum footsteps God organized the possum footsteps God organized the possum footsteps again. And this time, he organized the again. And this time, he organized the again. And this time, he organized the footsteps of my wife. A more intense fright A more intense fright because she didn't just bump into Mr. because she didn't just bump into Mr. because she didn't just bump into Mr. Pawsome during the day. She bumped into Pawsome during the day. She bumped into Pawsome during the day. She bumped into Mrs. Pawsome Mrs. Pawsome Mrs. Pawsome and she bumped into all the little baby and she bumped into all the little baby and she bumped into all the little baby Pawsums. Pawsums. Pawsums. Get this. She bumped into Uncle and Get this. She bumped into Uncle and Get this. She bumped into Uncle and Auntie Pawsome. Auntie Pawsome. Auntie Pawsome. getting up to no good in our front yard. getting up to no good in our front yard. getting up to no good in our front yard. And I'll leave it at that, the rascals. And I'll leave it at that, the rascals. And I'll leave it at that, the rascals. So God's will will be done. So God's will will be done. So God's will will be done. It was because he kindly directed their It was because he kindly directed their It was because he kindly directed their steps and her steps at the right time steps and her steps at the right time steps and her steps at the right time that we eventually in the kindness and that we eventually in the kindness and that we eventually in the kindness and the sovereignty of God got to meet an the sovereignty of God got to meet an the sovereignty of God got to meet an individual called Trapper Tom.

individual called Trapper Tom. individual called Trapper Tom. I'd never met Trapper Tom. I can't I'd never met Trapper Tom. I can't I'd never met Trapper Tom. I can't explain him. explain him. explain him. Uh, he looked like he was from another Uh, he looked like he was from another Uh, he looked like he was from another planet. planet. planet. He had the smile of an angel. He was He had the smile of an angel. He was He had the smile of an angel. He was wearing no shoes and told me he hasn't wearing no shoes and told me he hasn't wearing no shoes and told me he hasn't worn shoes for 40 years. worn shoes for 40 years. worn shoes for 40 years. He says, "I don't wear shoes and haven't He says, "I don't wear shoes and haven't He says, "I don't wear shoes and haven't for 40 years." He caught the possums and for 40 years." He caught the possums and for 40 years." He caught the possums and he cuddled the possums like they were he cuddled the possums like they were he cuddled the possums like they were his children. And then he disappeared his children. And then he disappeared his children. And then he disappeared into the sunset, never to be seen again. into the sunset, never to be seen again. into the sunset, never to be seen again. I don't know if he actually was a I don't know if he actually was a I don't know if he actually was a miraculous intervention, a ministering miraculous intervention, a ministering miraculous intervention, a ministering angel like we read about in the book of angel like we read about in the book of angel like we read about in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews. Hebrews. The bottom line is is this that God The bottom line is is this that God The bottom line is is this that God sovereignly intervened to reorder the sovereignly intervened to reorder the sovereignly intervened to reorder the Murphy and the possum life this week for Murphy and the possum life this week for Murphy and the possum life this week for his glory. his glory. his glory. And I know I'm having a little bit of And I know I'm having a little bit of And I know I'm having a little bit of fun, but at the same time, I want you to fun, but at the same time, I want you to fun, but at the same time, I want you to begin to see God at work in the details begin to see God at work in the details begin to see God at work in the details of life within the system because that's of life within the system because that's of life within the system because that's how he regularly works.

how he regularly works. how he regularly works. God is sovereign. God is sovereign. God is sovereign. God is sovereign over storms and sailors God is sovereign over storms and sailors God is sovereign over storms and sailors and selfish servants and and faithful and selfish servants and and faithful and selfish servants and and faithful servants and stones and fish and plants servants and stones and fish and plants servants and stones and fish and plants and worms and the straight of Hormuz and and worms and the straight of Hormuz and and worms and the straight of Hormuz and and my psums and your psums and maybe my and my psums and your psums and maybe my and my psums and your psums and maybe my psums have now become your psums because psums have now become your psums because psums have now become your psums because he's also sovereign over trapper Tom. I he's also sovereign over trapper Tom. I he's also sovereign over trapper Tom. I don't know where he put those psums don't know where he put those psums don't know where he put those psums but he is a businessman. but he is a businessman. but he is a businessman. Everything is under God's control and Everything is under God's control and Everything is under God's control and his hand. his hand. his hand. So the first thing that we see and learn So the first thing that we see and learn So the first thing that we see and learn from this fish cameo presence in the from this fish cameo presence in the from this fish cameo presence in the story of Jonah teaches us about God that story of Jonah teaches us about God that story of Jonah teaches us about God that God is in control that God is sovereign. God is in control that God is sovereign. God is in control that God is sovereign. Second thing that we see very clearly Second thing that we see very clearly Second thing that we see very clearly and just those two verses is a focus on and just those two verses is a focus on and just those two verses is a focus on obedience. obedience. obedience. Obedience. Obedience. Obedience. This is told so that you see that This is told so that you see that This is told so that you see that obedience to God is so important to God obedience to God is so important to God obedience to God is so important to God that it includes the obedience of a that it includes the obedience of a that it includes the obedience of a fish.

fish. fish. The obedience of a fish, a fish who The obedience of a fish, a fish who The obedience of a fish, a fish who knows his duty, his responsibility to knows his duty, his responsibility to knows his duty, his responsibility to God. Verse 17 again, and the Lord God. Verse 17 again, and the Lord God. Verse 17 again, and the Lord appointed the great fish to swallow appointed the great fish to swallow appointed the great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the stomach of Jonah. And Jonah was in the stomach of Jonah. And Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights. the fish three days and three nights. the fish three days and three nights. That fish obeyed. That fish obeyed. That fish obeyed. When God spoke that fish obeyed, your When God spoke that fish obeyed, your When God spoke that fish obeyed, your job is to swallow Jonah. Your job I I is job is to swallow Jonah. Your job I I is job is to swallow Jonah. Your job I I is to spit back out Jonah. And that fish to spit back out Jonah. And that fish to spit back out Jonah. And that fish goes and swallows Jonah and spits Jonah goes and swallows Jonah and spits Jonah goes and swallows Jonah and spits Jonah back out. back out. back out. God said, "Go and the fish goes. The God said, "Go and the fish goes. The God said, "Go and the fish goes. The fish obeyed." fish obeyed." fish obeyed." Verse 10 of chapter 2, the Lord spoke Verse 10 of chapter 2, the Lord spoke Verse 10 of chapter 2, the Lord spoke to, ordered, commanded the fish, and it to, ordered, commanded the fish, and it to, ordered, commanded the fish, and it spewed out, spat out Jonah upon the dry spewed out, spat out Jonah upon the dry spewed out, spat out Jonah upon the dry land. It obeyed land. It obeyed land. It obeyed twice. God spoke to this fish twice. twice. God spoke to this fish twice. twice. God spoke to this fish twice. Go open your mouth. Go open your mouth. Go open your mouth. Swallow him up. Go open your mouth. Spit Swallow him up. Go open your mouth. Spit Swallow him up. Go open your mouth. Spit him back out. And this fish obeyed. him back out. And this fish obeyed. him back out. And this fish obeyed. Very clear and simple. Somehow this fish Very clear and simple. Somehow this fish Very clear and simple. Somehow this fish understood its status before God.

understood its status before God. understood its status before God. Somehow, let me be very clear. Somehow Somehow, let me be very clear. Somehow Somehow, let me be very clear. Somehow this fish understood its commissioning this fish understood its commissioning this fish understood its commissioning to go and swallow, to go and spit out. to go and swallow, to go and spit out. to go and swallow, to go and spit out. And it did. It obeyed. So, don't miss And it did. It obeyed. So, don't miss And it did. It obeyed. So, don't miss the irony of what's there. This fish the irony of what's there. This fish the irony of what's there. This fish somehow discerned the voice of God and somehow discerned the voice of God and somehow discerned the voice of God and it doesn't have a Bible and it doesn't it doesn't have a Bible and it doesn't it doesn't have a Bible and it doesn't have fingers to flick through the Bible, have fingers to flick through the Bible, have fingers to flick through the Bible, but it understood the voice of its but it understood the voice of its but it understood the voice of its creator creator creator and it did what Jonah wouldn't do. He and it did what Jonah wouldn't do. He and it did what Jonah wouldn't do. He wouldn't go and speak. He wouldn't go wouldn't go and speak. He wouldn't go wouldn't go and speak. He wouldn't go and open up his mouth. Unlike Jonah, the and open up his mouth. Unlike Jonah, the and open up his mouth. Unlike Jonah, the fish obeys the sovereign God. fish obeys the sovereign God. fish obeys the sovereign God. So, character cutout number one in this So, character cutout number one in this So, character cutout number one in this beautiful new scene is this, that the beautiful new scene is this, that the beautiful new scene is this, that the great fish obeys God. It's as simple as great fish obeys God. It's as simple as great fish obeys God. It's as simple as that. You've been taught that all your that. You've been taught that all your that. You've been taught that all your life if you've been knocking around life if you've been knocking around life if you've been knocking around church because that's an important truth church because that's an important truth church because that's an important truth in the heart of God. in the heart of God. in the heart of God. The fish obeyed God. The fish goes when The fish obeyed God. The fish goes when The fish obeyed God. The fish goes when God says go. That's what the one who God says go. That's what the one who God says go. That's what the one who understands the rule of God over a life understands the rule of God over a life understands the rule of God over a life does.

does. does. shocking irony. The the fish is shocking irony. The the fish is shocking irony. The the fish is essentially literarily a foil to Jonah essentially literarily a foil to Jonah essentially literarily a foil to Jonah who doesn't want to go open his mouth who doesn't want to go open his mouth who doesn't want to go open his mouth when God spoke, when God commanded, when when God spoke, when God commanded, when when God spoke, when God commanded, when God ordered. And here we have a fish God ordered. And here we have a fish God ordered. And here we have a fish that does it instantly. Now, let me wrap that does it instantly. Now, let me wrap that does it instantly. Now, let me wrap this up by leaving you with two this up by leaving you with two this up by leaving you with two practical comments for you to take into practical comments for you to take into practical comments for you to take into your week and to meditate on. And the your week and to meditate on. And the your week and to meditate on. And the first one doesn't necessarily come first one doesn't necessarily come first one doesn't necessarily come directly from the text at all, but but I directly from the text at all, but but I directly from the text at all, but but I can't ignore it because it relates to can't ignore it because it relates to can't ignore it because it relates to what everybody wants to do with this what everybody wants to do with this what everybody wants to do with this story. Just like the teacher in little story. Just like the teacher in little story. Just like the teacher in little Katie's elementary school, they want to Katie's elementary school, they want to Katie's elementary school, they want to pit the sovereignty of God against pit the sovereignty of God against pit the sovereignty of God against science, as if science can dismiss or science, as if science can dismiss or science, as if science can dismiss or put God's sovereignty in some sort of put God's sovereignty in some sort of put God's sovereignty in some sort of corner. So, write this down if you're corner. So, write this down if you're corner. So, write this down if you're taking notes and chew on it this week. taking notes and chew on it this week. taking notes and chew on it this week. Sovereignty. Science only sees within Sovereignty. Science only sees within Sovereignty. Science only sees within God's set boundaries. God's set boundaries. God's set boundaries. Science can only see within God's set Science can only see within God's set Science can only see within God's set boundaries, but God's hand can work boundaries, but God's hand can work boundaries, but God's hand can work beyond science's sight.

beyond science's sight. beyond science's sight. God's hand can work way outside of God's hand can work way outside of God's hand can work way outside of anything that science can ever detect or anything that science can ever detect or anything that science can ever detect or see. see. see. We need to get things ordered right We need to get things ordered right We need to get things ordered right here. This this Jonah and the great fish here. This this Jonah and the great fish here. This this Jonah and the great fish scene is used all the time to discredit scene is used all the time to discredit scene is used all the time to discredit the Bible uh through a misuse of the Bible uh through a misuse of the Bible uh through a misuse of science, an overuse of science, an science, an overuse of science, an science, an overuse of science, an overreach of science. overreach of science. overreach of science. Just like Kitty's teacher, remember if Just like Kitty's teacher, remember if Just like Kitty's teacher, remember if it didn't happen, it didn't happen it didn't happen, it didn't happen it didn't happen, it didn't happen because science says that a fish can't because science says that a fish can't because science says that a fish can't actually swallow a human being and that actually swallow a human being and that actually swallow a human being and that human being survive. It's all pretend. human being survive. It's all pretend. human being survive. It's all pretend. I haven't seen that. We haven't seen I haven't seen that. We haven't seen I haven't seen that. We haven't seen that. Therefore, that could never that. Therefore, that could never that. Therefore, that could never happen. I need you to remember that happen. I need you to remember that happen. I need you to remember that science can only detect what it's science can only detect what it's science can only detect what it's designed to detect, what it's designed designed to detect, what it's designed designed to detect, what it's designed to see. It sees only within the created to see. It sees only within the created to see. It sees only within the created realm, within created reality according realm, within created reality according realm, within created reality according to the natural laws. That's its to the natural laws. That's its to the natural laws. That's its parameters. But it can't see, it can't parameters. But it can't see, it can't parameters. But it can't see, it can't explain, it can't handle when God's hand explain, it can't handle when God's hand explain, it can't handle when God's hand miraculously intervenes and suspends the miraculously intervenes and suspends the miraculously intervenes and suspends the natural laws or begins to providentially natural laws or begins to providentially natural laws or begins to providentially tweak and massage and puppeteer things.

tweak and massage and puppeteer things. tweak and massage and puppeteer things. That becomes a a reality that's outside That becomes a a reality that's outside That becomes a a reality that's outside of science's of science's of science's vision, outside of its horizons. And vision, outside of its horizons. And vision, outside of its horizons. And many many many scientists historically many many many scientists historically many many many scientists historically have agreed. I read this week of Louis have agreed. I read this week of Louis have agreed. I read this week of Louis Pastor who who helped revolutionize Pastor who who helped revolutionize Pastor who who helped revolutionize modern medicine and he he's a scientist modern medicine and he he's a scientist modern medicine and he he's a scientist and he says a little science distances and he says a little science distances and he says a little science distances you from God but a lot of science brings you from God but a lot of science brings you from God but a lot of science brings you nearer to God. you nearer to God. you nearer to God. Many scientists agree that science has Many scientists agree that science has Many scientists agree that science has limitations by design. It can only see limitations by design. It can only see limitations by design. It can only see what it's been designed to see. It can't what it's been designed to see. It can't what it's been designed to see. It can't handle handle handle God's interruptions, God's suspensions, God's interruptions, God's suspensions, God's interruptions, God's suspensions, God's manipulations God's manipulations God's manipulations of the natural laws. of the natural laws. of the natural laws. So, science isn't at odds with God. So, science isn't at odds with God. So, science isn't at odds with God. Science isn't at odds with what we read Science isn't at odds with what we read Science isn't at odds with what we read here. Science serves God. Science points here. Science serves God. Science points here. Science serves God. Science points to God. Science obeys God. Science to God. Science obeys God. Science to God. Science obeys God. Science worships God. So don't let anyone worships God. So don't let anyone worships God. So don't let anyone ridicule you for believing that a great ridicule you for believing that a great ridicule you for believing that a great fish was swallowed up by Jonah and that fish was swallowed up by Jonah and that fish was swallowed up by Jonah and that he survived in its stomach.

he survived in its stomach. he survived in its stomach. If as the Bible says at the very start If as the Bible says at the very start If as the Bible says at the very start in the beginning God then everything in the beginning God then everything in the beginning God then everything else is possible. else is possible. else is possible. God is sovereign. God is sovereign. God is sovereign. God not only could have used an existing God not only could have used an existing God not only could have used an existing fish. God could have custom adapted a fish. God could have custom adapted a fish. God could have custom adapted a distinct fish. God, for all I know, distinct fish. God, for all I know, distinct fish. God, for all I know, could have installed cable TV and served could have installed cable TV and served could have installed cable TV and served up Chick-fil-A for Jonah in there for 3 up Chick-fil-A for Jonah in there for 3 up Chick-fil-A for Jonah in there for 3 days. I don't know. But my God can do days. I don't know. But my God can do days. I don't know. But my God can do that. that. that. And and he's not restricted to his And and he's not restricted to his And and he's not restricted to his ability to do that or not do that ability to do that or not do that ability to do that or not do that because Murphy has a very limited view because Murphy has a very limited view because Murphy has a very limited view of the world and has never seen that. God is sovereign over science and time God is sovereign over science and time and space and dimensions beyond the and space and dimensions beyond the and space and dimensions beyond the created universe. So, it's a little created universe. So, it's a little created universe. So, it's a little overconfident, maybe even arrogant to overconfident, maybe even arrogant to overconfident, maybe even arrogant to think otherwise and to ridicule me for think otherwise and to ridicule me for think otherwise and to ridicule me for believing it.

believing it. believing it. Now, let me give you a very I think a Now, let me give you a very I think a Now, let me give you a very I think a humbling analogy, but it's only an humbling analogy, but it's only an humbling analogy, but it's only an analogy. So, don't make it walk on all analogy. So, don't make it walk on all analogy. So, don't make it walk on all fours too far. It's just an analogy, but fours too far. It's just an analogy, but fours too far. It's just an analogy, but in my opinion, it makes a good point in my opinion, it makes a good point in my opinion, it makes a good point about being overconfident in what we about being overconfident in what we about being overconfident in what we know about reality through a scientific know about reality through a scientific know about reality through a scientific lens. And and the analogy concerns two lens. And and the analogy concerns two lens. And and the analogy concerns two babies babies babies inside of their mother's womb. Baby number one says this Baby number one says this to baby number two, "Do you believe in to baby number two, "Do you believe in to baby number two, "Do you believe in life after delivery? life after delivery? life after delivery? Baby number two. Why, of course I do. Baby number two. Why, of course I do. Baby number two. Why, of course I do. There has to be something after There has to be something after There has to be something after delivery. delivery. delivery. Maybe we're here to prepare for what Maybe we're here to prepare for what Maybe we're here to prepare for what comes after delivery. comes after delivery. comes after delivery. Baby number one, nonsense. Baby number one, nonsense. Baby number one, nonsense. There's no life after delivery. What There's no life after delivery. What There's no life after delivery. What kind of a life could that possibly be?

kind of a life could that possibly be? kind of a life could that possibly be? Baby number two. Baby number two. Baby number two. Well, I don't know. I've never Well, I don't know. I've never Well, I don't know. I've never experienced it. Maybe we will walk with experienced it. Maybe we will walk with experienced it. Maybe we will walk with our legs. Maybe we will eat with our our legs. Maybe we will eat with our our legs. Maybe we will eat with our mouths. Maybe we will have other senses mouths. Maybe we will have other senses mouths. Maybe we will have other senses that we can't understand just now. that we can't understand just now. that we can't understand just now. Baby number one nonsense. Baby number one nonsense. Baby number one nonsense. That's ridiculous. Walking is That's ridiculous. Walking is That's ridiculous. Walking is impossible. Never proven. Never needed. impossible. Never proven. Never needed. impossible. Never proven. Never needed. Never seen. Never seen. Never seen. Eating with our mouths. That's absurd. Eating with our mouths. That's absurd. Eating with our mouths. That's absurd. Never seen that either. The umbilical Never seen that either. The umbilical Never seen that either. The umbilical cord is what supplies all we need. And cord is what supplies all we need. And cord is what supplies all we need. And it's much too short for beyond here. it's much too short for beyond here. it's much too short for beyond here. Life after delivery is logically Life after delivery is logically Life after delivery is logically impossible. impossible. impossible. Maybe number two. Well, what if what if Maybe number two. Well, what if what if Maybe number two. Well, what if what if it's just different than here? it's just different than here? it's just different than here? Maybe we won't need that physical cord Maybe we won't need that physical cord Maybe we won't need that physical cord anymore. anymore. anymore. Baby number one. Scientifically Baby number one. Scientifically Baby number one. Scientifically impossible. Unproven. impossible. Unproven. impossible. Unproven. Never seen that. But but okay if there Never seen that. But but okay if there Never seen that. But but okay if there is life after delivery then tell me is life after delivery then tell me is life after delivery then tell me this. Why has no one ever come back from this. Why has no one ever come back from this. Why has no one ever come back from there?

Delivery is the end of life. Delivery is the end of life. There's nothing after There's nothing after There's nothing after baby number two. Well, I don't know. I baby number two. Well, I don't know. I baby number two. Well, I don't know. I think we will meet mother think we will meet mother think we will meet mother and she will explain and take care of and she will explain and take care of and she will explain and take care of us. us. us. Baby number one. Mother, Baby number one. Mother, Baby number one. Mother, you actually believe in mother? you actually believe in mother? you actually believe in mother? If mother existed, where is she? I've If mother existed, where is she? I've If mother existed, where is she? I've never seen her. You've never seen her. never seen her. You've never seen her. never seen her. You've never seen her. Baby number two. Well, she could be all Baby number two. Well, she could be all Baby number two. Well, she could be all around us. around us. around us. It could be, I don't know, that we live It could be, I don't know, that we live It could be, I don't know, that we live and that we move and that we have our and that we move and that we have our and that we move and that we have our being because of her. being because of her. being because of her. It could be that without her, our our It could be that without her, our our It could be that without her, our our world wouldn't exist. world wouldn't exist. world wouldn't exist. Baby number one, I don't see her. Baby number one, I don't see her. Baby number one, I don't see her. It's only logical and rational that she It's only logical and rational that she It's only logical and rational that she isn't here. isn't here. isn't here. To baby number two, To baby number two, To baby number two, well, when when I'm quiet and I listen, well, when when I'm quiet and I listen, well, when when I'm quiet and I listen, I hear her heart.

That's beautiful. That's beautiful. Science only sees, friends, within God's Science only sees, friends, within God's Science only sees, friends, within God's determined parameters and boundaries for determined parameters and boundaries for determined parameters and boundaries for science. science. science. But those aren't God's boundaries for But those aren't God's boundaries for But those aren't God's boundaries for himself. God's hand can work beyond himself. God's hand can work beyond himself. God's hand can work beyond science's sight and often does. So don't science's sight and often does. So don't science's sight and often does. So don't let anyone ever ridicule you for let anyone ever ridicule you for let anyone ever ridicule you for believing in the miracle of Jonah's believing in the miracle of Jonah's believing in the miracle of Jonah's survival inside of a great fish. survival inside of a great fish. survival inside of a great fish. And like little Kitty said to her And like little Kitty said to her And like little Kitty said to her teacher, when we get to heaven, we can teacher, when we get to heaven, we can teacher, when we get to heaven, we can ask him. ask him. ask him. A second lesson in closing. You know, A second lesson in closing. You know, A second lesson in closing. You know, the famous English preacher G. Campbell the famous English preacher G. Campbell the famous English preacher G. Campbell Morgan once said that men have been Morgan once said that men have been Morgan once said that men have been looking so hard at the great fish that looking so hard at the great fish that looking so hard at the great fish that they have failed to see the great God. they have failed to see the great God. they have failed to see the great God. And he's correct. And he's correct. And he's correct. And I'd like to add to that that they've And I'd like to add to that that they've And I'd like to add to that that they've also ignored the lesson from the great also ignored the lesson from the great also ignored the lesson from the great fish concerning responsibilities to the fish concerning responsibilities to the fish concerning responsibilities to the great God.

great God. great God. So write this one down. It relates to So write this one down. It relates to So write this one down. It relates to responsibility directly really out of responsibility directly really out of responsibility directly really out of those two verses. those two verses. those two verses. A call on our lives. If a fish obeys, A call on our lives. If a fish obeys, A call on our lives. If a fish obeys, you obey. you obey. you obey. If a fish can obey, surely you can obey. If a fish can obey, surely you can obey. If a fish can obey, surely you can obey. It's as simple as that. The fish was It's as simple as that. The fish was It's as simple as that. The fish was told to swallow, so it swallowed. The told to swallow, so it swallowed. The told to swallow, so it swallowed. The fish was told to spit out, so it spat fish was told to spit out, so it spat fish was told to spit out, so it spat out. Just like Jonah didn't like the out. Just like Jonah didn't like the out. Just like Jonah didn't like the Ninevites, for all I know, the fish Ninevites, for all I know, the fish Ninevites, for all I know, the fish didn't like humanites. didn't like humanites. didn't like humanites. But it did what it was told. It But it did what it was told. It But it did what it was told. It understood its place before a sovereign understood its place before a sovereign understood its place before a sovereign God. God. God. This fish is a foil to expose the This fish is a foil to expose the This fish is a foil to expose the hypocrisy of a sleepy servant of God who hypocrisy of a sleepy servant of God who hypocrisy of a sleepy servant of God who ignored obeying God. And that's not ignored obeying God. And that's not ignored obeying God. And that's not right. And it exposes it with a little right. And it exposes it with a little right. And it exposes it with a little bit of ironic ridicule. That's why God bit of ironic ridicule. That's why God bit of ironic ridicule. That's why God sent a fish, not a submarine. Perhaps you and I need to learn that Perhaps you and I need to learn that lesson, too. I don't know. I do know God lesson, too. I don't know. I do know God lesson, too. I don't know. I do know God deserves to be obeyed by you and by me.

deserves to be obeyed by you and by me. deserves to be obeyed by you and by me. I do know that God deserves your I do know that God deserves your I do know that God deserves your loyalty. I do know that it's our loyalty. I do know that it's our loyalty. I do know that it's our responsibility collectively as a church responsibility collectively as a church responsibility collectively as a church to obey his voice and to do so with to obey his voice and to do so with to obey his voice and to do so with gratitude. That's not a wildly gratitude. That's not a wildly gratitude. That's not a wildly unreasonable expectation that God has unreasonable expectation that God has unreasonable expectation that God has put upon us. put upon us. put upon us. And if storms and stones and plants and And if storms and stones and plants and And if storms and stones and plants and worms and fish and and my possums and worms and fish and and my possums and worms and fish and and my possums and your psums and mysterious trappers like your psums and mysterious trappers like your psums and mysterious trappers like Tom can obey, then those of us who have Tom can obey, then those of us who have Tom can obey, then those of us who have been redeemed by the blood of the son of been redeemed by the blood of the son of been redeemed by the blood of the son of God, Jesus Christ, surely we can obey God, Jesus Christ, surely we can obey God, Jesus Christ, surely we can obey too. And with a smile on our face, too. And with a smile on our face, too. And with a smile on our face, if fish obey, you can obey. So that's if fish obey, you can obey. So that's if fish obey, you can obey. So that's the lesson from the great fish in the the lesson from the great fish in the the lesson from the great fish in the story of Jonah. It teaches us to obey. story of Jonah. It teaches us to obey. story of Jonah. It teaches us to obey. When God says go, it goes. That's not When God says go, it goes. That's not When God says go, it goes. That's not too hard to swallow. too hard to swallow. too hard to swallow. If you believe in the sovereignty of If you believe in the sovereignty of If you believe in the sovereignty of God. God. God. At some point this week, go to Matthew At some point this week, go to Matthew At some point this week, go to Matthew 17 at the very end of that chapter and 17 at the very end of that chapter and 17 at the very end of that chapter and read about the total obedience again of read about the total obedience again of read about the total obedience again of a fish a fish a fish to the one who has total control of to the one who has total control of to the one who has total control of history, Jesus Christ.

history, Jesus Christ. history, Jesus Christ. There you'll read about a story of a There you'll read about a story of a There you'll read about a story of a fish who is so obedience obedient that fish who is so obedience obedient that fish who is so obedience obedient that he pays for Jesus's taxes. he pays for Jesus's taxes. he pays for Jesus's taxes. It's a remarkable story. It's a remarkable story. It's a remarkable story. Goes with what we've said today. If fish Goes with what we've said today. If fish Goes with what we've said today. If fish obey, you can obey. So do that this obey, you can obey. So do that this obey, you can obey. So do that this week. Whatever he's asking you to do, week. Whatever he's asking you to do, week. Whatever he's asking you to do, don't run. Listen to his voice and obey. don't run. Listen to his voice and obey. don't run. Listen to his voice and obey. Let me pray for us and then we're going Let me pray for us and then we're going Let me pray for us and then we're going to stand and sing to stand and sing to stand and sing together, Lord, as we leave. Heavenly together, Lord, as we leave. Heavenly together, Lord, as we leave. Heavenly Father, we thank you Father, we thank you Father, we thank you for this morning. We thank you for for this morning. We thank you for for this morning. We thank you for allowing us to be here. We thank you for allowing us to be here. We thank you for allowing us to be here. We thank you for allowing us to show these young people allowing us to show these young people allowing us to show these young people that we love them, that we're for them, that we love them, that we're for them, that we love them, that we're for them, that we want them to succeed in life, that we want them to succeed in life, that we want them to succeed in life, and that we're going to do our best to and that we're going to do our best to and that we're going to do our best to make sure that that that is possible. make sure that that that is possible. make sure that that that is possible. Thank you for allowing us to worship you Thank you for allowing us to worship you Thank you for allowing us to worship you through song, through through listening through song, through through listening through song, through through listening to beautiful music, through giving in to beautiful music, through giving in to beautiful music, through giving in our tithes and offerings. Lord, we are our tithes and offerings. Lord, we are our tithes and offerings. Lord, we are stewards stewards stewards of yours and thank you for your word of yours and thank you for your word of yours and thank you for your word once again for this great lesson from once again for this great lesson from once again for this great lesson from this fish so long ago this fish so long ago this fish so long ago to commit to obeying you this week. In to commit to obeying you this week. In to commit to obeying you this week. In Jesus' name and in the power of the Jesus' name and in the power of the Jesus' name and in the power of the spirit we pray. Amen.